Monday, October 21, 2013

Core Values Part 1 - This is an Awesome Blog Post

Earlier this year we held our summer company party. At that party we take time to recognize team members that best personify the 5 Core Values of Newmind Group. Those 5 core values are: Be Awesome, Get Stuff Done, Make Things Better, Make Mistakes, Rest and Reflect. As we get closer to the end of this year we’re going to showcase those Newminders and their stories as only best they could, in their own words. Enjoy!

Hi, I’m Ben. I was rated highest for the 'Be Awesome' core value. I know what you’re thinking. Yes, it is a big deal.

I am awesome in large part to my exuberant hilariousness (second only to my sincere humility.) Everyone, of course, is awesome in different ways. There are ways to be awesome besides God-given natural talent. I have compiled some ways to exude awesomeness in your life.

Be Happy

“When things go wrong, don't go with them.” - Elvis Presley

Being positive and happy gives your customers, the people you work with and yourself a better experience. You can’t go wrong with positivity. Smile when you are talking to people whether face to face or on the phone. The difference is amazing.

Part of being happy is understanding that you have control over your own happiness. It is not just people with great lives, tons of money and Chevy Astro’s that are happy. ‘Happiness experts’ say that 40% of your happiness is in your control. I do not know what that means or how they figured that out. I do know that we can choose to be happy.

Ben with his Chevy Astro

Be Kind

Being kind is what good people do. It helps you as well as making life better for others. Kindness has been scientifically proven to make you happier. Every time you perform a selfless act your brain produces serotonin. Serotonin eases tension and lifts your spirits.

Treating people well also helps you to deepen your relationships. When dealing with people it is easy to judge the situation from your point of view. A good way to find kindness in a situation is to put yourself in their position. I find this especially helpful when dealing with customers about anything technical. What I deal with 40 hours a week should seem simple to me, not the customer.

Be Thankful

“Rest and be thankful.” - William Wordsworth

One of the simplest and most powerful things you can do in your life is be thankful. The simplicity lies in how many options there are. In today's fast paced world it is increasingly less common for people to reflect on their life. It should only take a second to think of something to be thankful for. I am typing on a computer. I am thankful I have a computer (a pretty sweet one too). I am in a house. Bam! I am thankful for shelter. I have coffee, food, family, a car, insanely good looks. See how easy it is!

If you are feeling sad about your life get perspective. You are probably going to eat today. Some people aren’t. Access to this post means you are among the richest people in the world. See where you fall here: www.globalrichlist.com. Understand how great you're life is.

Reflect on how you can be thankful to others. I am sure we have all spent a decent amount of time reflecting on how horrible people are. I think it is only reasonable to spend at least as much time on how great people are. Never miss a chance to say thank you.

Be Humble

“A great man is always willing to be little.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Here at Newmind I am surrounded by people that are brilliant. Leaders, tech masters, customer relations experts and more. The ability to see my faults and be awestruck at others’ proficiency is good for me to appreciate not only their greatness but my shortcomings. Knowing that there is so much that I can improve upon keeps me humble.

Self glorification and competition to assuage your ego is anti humble. Do everything you can well because it is who you are. Not for some gratification or reward and you are a humble zen master.

Go Be Awesome

These are all big ideas and I am no expert on any one of them. You don’t perfect being happy and move on. The important thing is to have self awareness of how awesome you are and always push yourself to become more awesome.

Writing this has challenged me to be improve on these facets of my life. So to recap... I was happy writing this, you are all awesome, thank you for reading, and I expect no rewards.

Continue to the second article of the Core Values series: Get Stuff Done

Ben Morris is the reigning Funniest Newminder (yes that’s a thing), a father, and is a new member of Newmind Group's Google Apps team. He holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Western Michigan University and is determined to uncover the secrets of how humor can help organizational communication.

Ben loves the great outdoors and spends his time outside of work camping and boating with his wife and three children. Contact him at ben@newmindgroup.com.

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